HASTINGS’ FINN-WIN SITUATION
Warrior Adam out to do mentor Russell proud
ADAM HASTINGS admits Scotland’s clash with Wales is a chance to step out of Finn Russell’s shadow.
The Glasgow Warriors fly-half spent last season as understudy to the playmaker who made the switch from Scotstoun to Racing 92 in the summer.
And the pupil is desperate to show his mentor how much he has learned in Cardiff.
With Saturday’s side effectively a Glasgow and Edinburgh select, Hastings is certain to be handed the No.10 jersey – which he insists will be a tribute to the player who normally pulls it on.
The 22-year-old said: “I’ve learned loads off Finn and I’m still learning.
“He probably doesn’t realise how much he is helping me.
“Even when I’m just watching him I’m learning off him.
“I get along with him really well. He was a role model for me at Glasgow and still is now.
“He’s a quality player and it’s nice having someone to chat to and a shoulder to lean on.”
Hastings made his dark blue debut against Canada in June and has been earmarked as a flagbearer for a new generation of homegrown talent.
But he believes the progression from club to country is a step up assisted by playing for Scotland at youth level.
He said: “It was difficult when I gained my first cap but it was almost made easier by the fact I felt the standards at international level are a lot higher. Everyone seems to lift their game when they pull on international shirts.
“When boys pull on an international jersey they are a different animal. Wales are a prime example of that.
“They’re a really good team, they’re physical and have some really good backs. It will be a tough game and we’ll have to match them physically first and foremost.” The Hastings name is part of Scottish rugby heritage with dad Gavin and uncle Scott carrying legendary status.
But Adam revealed he doesn’t feel the need to go to his father for advice 23 years on from the last of 61 Scotland caps.
He said: “My dad played during amateur days and the game has changed. I do talk about my performances with him but it is nothing too in-depth.
“He probably feels he knows what he is talking about. It is nice having my father there as he has been there, done that.
“There is so much preparation nowadays, you look at teams the week before. The coaching team a few weeks before that will be doing it as well. The game has changed a bit since his day.”
The Test has been billed the Doddie Weir Cup in honour of the Scottish rugby great who’s battling Motor Neurone Disease.
And Hastings said: “Doddie is a friend of my dad’s. I met him quite a few times when I was younger. The boys will be having that at the back of their minds.
“We are definitely inspired by him. I don’t know how he has been so positive with the whole thing, I wouldn’t be. He seems to have just taken it in his stride.”